Well, first of all, we are from Denver. So, it would be natural and obvious that we will only praise our beloved city. But we won’t. My wife and I decided to create an honest comparison. We used this idea as an excuse to enjoy a little bit of traveling to nearby Colorado Springs. Let’s get started.
Housing
Colorado Springs
- Average home price: $459,000
- Variety of homes: From budget-friendly to fancy ones
- Cost of living: Lower, making it ideal for families and first-time homebuyers
- Location: At the foot of the Rocky Mountains
The cost of living in Colorado Springs, CO is 2% higher than the state average and 8% higher than the national average. Colorado Springs, CO housing is 12% more expensive than the U.S average, while utilities are about 2% less pricey.
Denver
- Average home price: $600,000
- Home variety: Ranges from historic houses to modern apartments
- Cost of living: Higher than Colorado Springs
- Status: Big city and the state capital, offering a wide range of housing options
In February 2024, the median listing home price in Denver, CO was $600K, flat year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $401. The median home sold price was $572K.
Job Market
When you want to move to a new city, the job market is a crucial factor. Here’s a comparison of the job markets in Colorado Springs and Denver to help you weigh your options:
| Metric | Denver, CO | Colorado Springs, CO | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Unemployment | 7.1% | 6.8% | 6.0% |
| Future Job Growth | 45.0% | 48.4% | 33.5% |
| Recent Job Growth | -4.9% | -3.3% | -6.2% |
| 3 Yr. Job Growth | 0.3% | 1.2% | -3.6% |
| 5 Yr. Job Growth | 7.4% | 6.4% | -0.7% |
| 10 Yr. Job Growth | 24.1% | 14.7% | 6.3% |
Comparing these figures, Colorado Springs shows a slightly better performance in job growth and lower unemployment rates than Denver, which shows us that it is a slightly more dynamic job market.
Education
When you’re moving with kids, schools matter a lot. Here’s what you need to know:
Denver Schools and Colleges
Public Institutions
- Auraria Campus: Includes Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver.
Private Institutions
- Non-Profit: Includes Regis University and University of Denver.
- For-Profit: Institutions like The Art Institute of Colorado, Colorado Technical University, Lincoln College of Technology, National American University, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, and Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Seminaries: Denver Seminary, Iliff School of Theology, Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary, and Yeshiva Toras Chaim Talmudical Seminary.
Colorado Springs Schools and Colleges
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS): A comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- United States Air Force Academy: Provides education and training for future Air Force officers.
- Colorado Technical University: Known for its online programs and industry-relevant degree offerings.
- Colorado College: A private liberal arts college offering a unique Block Plan.
- Nazarene Bible College: Focused on preparing students for ministry positions.
Demographic differences
These cities are pretty different. Our city is the bigger one with over 700,000 people, and it’s got a colorful mix of cultures, with about half the folks being Hispanic/Latino, African American, or Asian. Colorado Springs is smaller, with less than 500,000 people, and has fewer people of color, about 20%. Here’s a detailed comparison of demographics:
| Demographic | Denver, CO | Colorado Springs, CO | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 706,799 | 475,282 | 329,725,481 |
| Median Age | 34.8 | 34.9 | 38.4 |
| Population Density (people/sq mi) | 4,610.8 | 2,437.5 | 93.4 |
| Female Population | 49.7% | 49.9% | 50.5% |
| Male Population | 50.3% | 50.1% | 49.5% |
| Married Population | 41.2% | 51.7% | 49.8% |
| Median Household Size | 2.21 | 2.48 | 2.60 |
| Race – White | 54.0% | 67.0% | 59.4% |
| Race – Black | 8.6% | 5.6% | 12.2% |
| Race – Asian | 3.5% | 2.9% | 5.6% |
| Race – Hispanic | 29.4% | 18.4% | 18.4% |
| Married w/children | 32.7% | 31.7% | 30.5% |
| Single w/children | 16.5% | 14.9% | 15.8% |
Lifestyle & Amenities
If you’re into the great outdoors, a smaller one is your kind of place. It’s packed with parks, trails, and big open skies. You’ve got famous spots like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, plus the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for animal lovers.
The city’s also got a lively arts scene, with museums and theaters, and lots of shops and restaurants for a fun day out. Denver’s the heart of the action. I mean, we already have so many stories about our experience in popular zoos, best restaurants, or breweries.
If you’re a sports fan, you’re in for a treat with teams like the Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and Avalanche. And when the sun goes down, the nightlife lights up with plenty to do.
Community vibe
If you’re deciding between these two, think about what suits you best. Colorado Springs is chill and close to nature, with awesome trails, parks, and views. It’s perfect for those who love the outdoors, and it’s got cool events like the Balloon Classic and the Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
And our town, though, is full of energy and variety. It’s got a mix of neighborhoods, each with its own vibe, and a booming arts and culture scene. There are also many ways you can entertain your kids in Denver without breaking the bank. Both cities have their own charm, so it’s all about what kind of community feels right for you.
Conclusion
We won’t make a choice here. I mean, they are both great, but we live in Denver, and not planning to ever move to another place. So, we look to Colorado Springs as a nearby companion to our beloved city.
And in the end, it’s up to you. Those who are looking to move to any of these towns should focus on their needs. Both have a lot to offer, but some details could prevail. So take your time, explore the real estate market, and think about what would the best long-term solution be.
